Chemical composition of AY Ceti: A flaring, spotted star with a white dwarf companion

TL;DR

This study analyzes the high-resolution optical spectrum of AY Cet, revealing its chemical composition and atmospheric parameters, showing it is a typical first ascent giant despite high chromospheric activity.

Contribution

First detailed chemical abundance analysis of AY Cet's atmosphere, providing key elemental ratios and atmospheric parameters from high-resolution spectroscopy.

Findings

Atmospheric parameters: T_eff=5080 K, log g=3.0, [Fe/H]=-0.33

Chemical abundances typical for first ascent giants

High chromospheric activity does not alter chemical composition

Abstract

The detailed chemical composition of the atmosphere AY Cet (HD 7672) is determined from a high-resolution spectrum in the optical region. The main atmospheric parameters and the abundances of 22 chemical elements, including key species such as 12C, 13C, N, and O, are determined. A differential line analysis gives T_eff=5080 K, log g=3.0, [Fe/H]=-0.33, [C/Fe]=-0.17, [N/Fe]=0.17, [O/Fe]=0.05, C/N=1.58, and 12C/13C=21. Despite the high chromospheric activity, the optical spectrum of AY Cet provides a chemical composition typical for first ascent giants after the first dredge-up.